Matthew, 17 years old, FL

Wish submitted by:

Matthew is an extraordinary young man who is currently living in a group home after spending many years in therapeutic and residential settings. Being in the foster care system for nearly seven years has been incredibly challenging for Matthew, yet he continues to maintain a positive attitude and always has a joke to share. Although he was never adopted, as he had hoped after his parents passed away, he is now learning independent-living skills and preparing to age out of the system at the end of the year and transition into extended foster care. He remains hopeful and looks forward to eventually returning to his hometown.

Matthew was gifted with a laptop for his birthday at the end of last year, and shortly after getting it, it was stolen by another youth at the group home. This was devastating for Matthew as he had just downloaded his favorite computer games, Roblox and Fortnite. Recently, a relative entered his life, and they are working on building a relationship. We are hoping that this becomes a possible placement option. The relative sent Matthew a flash drive with comic books downloaded on it so that he could read his favorite comics. The relative didn't realize that Matthew no longer had a laptop. This wish would serve multiple purposes as Matthew could read his favorite comic books and video chat with his relative. This time, we will ensure that the group home places the laptop in Matthews's locker when he is not using it.